dTector vs Metal Detector・EMF Reader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
dTector
This utility app transforms your iPhone into a magnetic field detector using its built-in magnetometer. It visualizes magnetic fields in 3D augmented reality, highlighting areas of strong magnetic flux. Useful for detecting ferromagnetic metals and understanding magnetic environments.
- Live magnetometer readout (µT and mG)
- Ferromagnetic metal detection
- AR 3D field mapping
- Sonar feedback (sound and haptics)
- Directional guidance
- Session logging and PLY export
- Apple Watch companion
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dTector turns your iPhone's built-in magnetometer into a magnetic field meter — then draws what it reads in 3D, floating in augmented reality. WHAT IT MEASURES Your device contains a magnetometer, the sensor behind the compass. dTector reads it continuously and shows the magnetic flux density around you in microtesla (µT) and milligauss (mG). Earth's natural field is roughly 49 µT. Bring the device near steel, iron, a magnet, a motor or a current-carrying cable and the reading climbs. AR 3D FIELD MAP Point the camera and walk. Using ARKit, dTector anchors every reading at the exact point in space where it was taken, then builds a live 3D map: field lines and glowing hotspots suspended in the room, right where the field is strongest. Save a map, come back to it, export it as PLY. FEATURES • Live magnetometer readout in µT and mG • Ferromagnetic metal detection — steel, iron, pipes, rebar, wiring • AR 3D field mapping with field lines and hotspots • Sonar feedback — sound and haptics that rise with the field • Directional guidance toward the strongest nearby reading • Session logging and PLY export • Apple Watch companion • Shake to recalibrate GETTING GOOD RESULTS Move slowly. The sensitive area sits near the camera, so lead with the top of the device. Take the phone out of cases with magnetic closures — MagSafe and magnetic flaps will dominate the reading. Shake to recalibrate whenever values drift. WHAT IT CANNOT DO dTector reads the magnetometer, and only the magnetometer. It finds non-magnetic metals such as aluminium, copper or gold only when they carry current strong enough to bend the magnetic field. It is not a radiation meter, not a stud finder, and not a replacement for a calibrated instrument. Sensitivity varies considerably between iPhone models. dTector is built for curiosity, learning and entertainment. It is not a professional measuring instrument and must not be used for safety, medical, occupational or scientific decisions.
Metal Detector・EMF Reader
Transform your iPhone into a versatile tool for detecting metal objects, locating wall studs, and measuring EMF levels. Utilize the device's built-in magnetometer for real-time insights into magnetic fields and signal strength, perfect for various DIY and utility tasks.
- Detect nearby metal objects
- Find wall studs, screws, nails, pipes
- Real-time magnetic field readings
- Live EMF meter and graph visualization
- Signal confidence indicator
- Axis-based directional detection
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Turn your iPhone into a powerful Metal Detector, Stud Finder & EMF Reader using the built-in magnetometer sensor. Metal Detector helps you locate nearby metal objects, detect magnetic fields, analyze EMF levels, and visualize live magnetometer readings directly from your device. Whether you’re searching for hidden metal, locating wall studs, checking electronics for EMF activity, or exploring magnetic fields around you, this app gives you real-time precision and easy-to-read insights. Perfect for DIY projects, construction work, home improvement, electronics testing, hobby exploration, and everyday utility use. FEATURES • Detect nearby metal objects using your iPhone’s magnetometer • Find wall studs, screws, nails, pipes, and hidden metallic objects • Real-time magnetic field readings in microtesla (µT) • Live EMF meter and magnetometer graph visualization • Signal confidence indicator for stronger detections • Axis-based directional detection system • Smooth real-time graphing of magnetic field activity • Minimal, clean, and professional interface • Fast and lightweight performance • Works instantly with supported iPhones HOW IT WORKS The app uses your iPhone’s built-in magnetometer sensor to measure magnetic field strength. When metal or magnetic objects are nearby, the magnetic field changes and the app displays the variation in real time. You can use Metal Detector to: • Locate metal studs in walls • Find hidden screws or nails • Detect magnetic interference • Measure EMF activity around electronics • Explore magnets and magnetic fields • Scan objects for metallic presence GREAT FOR • DIY & home improvement • Construction & renovation • Electricians & technicians • Hobbyists & explorers • Educational science experiments • Everyday utility detection IMPORTANT NOTES • Accuracy depends on your iPhone’s magnetometer sensor • Best results occur with ferromagnetic metals like iron and steel • Does not work for non ferrous metal like Aluminum, gold, silver • Thick walls or heavy interference can affect readings • Remove magnetic phone accessories for improved accuracy Download Metal Detector today and transform your iPhone into a smart magnetic field scanner, EMF reader, and stud finder tool. Terms of service - https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Metal Detector・EMF Reader at 100% against dTector's 33%. Metal Detector・EMF Reader also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and ads (none vs shown). dTector's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and ratings volume (7 vs 2). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. dTector sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Metal Detector・EMF Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Metal Detector・EMF Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of dTector's written reviews are positive against 100% of Metal Detector・EMF Reader's.
dTector ships an update every 6 weeks, Metal Detector・EMF Reader weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | dTector | Metal Detector・EMF Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (7 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Immaginet Srl | Yash Mandhyan |
Customer experience
dTector
Metal Detector・EMF Reader
In-app purchases
dTector
- dTector PRO$4.99
Metal Detector・EMF Reader
- Lifetime Access$2.99
Questions
Is dTector free?
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